Emergency Eye Wash System

ABSTRACT

An emergency eye wash system having a support panel and a pair of brackets for holding two bag assemblies containing sterile and sealed eye wash solution. The bag assemblies are connected by hoses to a pair of nozzles mounted on a pivotal tray assembly. When the system is dormant, the tray assembly is in a vertical closed position. When there is an emergency, a user pulls on a pivotal handle to puncture membranes in the hoses and to lower the tray assembly to cause flow from the bags to the nozzles to the user&#39;s face.

CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/816,283, filed Apr. 1, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No.7,254,848, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an emergency eye wash system and moreparticularly to an emergency eye wash system which is simplyconstructed, compact and reliable.

2. Description of the Related Art

Emergency eye wash systems are often present in industrial plantsettings, industry and academic laboratories and in commercialenvironments where researchers, students, customers and workers may beaccidentally exposed to dangerous conditions and materials.

The Occupational Safety And Health Administration has ruled that eyewash fountains are mandatory at specified industrial work stations. TheAmerican National Standards Institute has issued standards for portableeye wash fountains relating to flushing periods and rate of flow. Thepresent requirements are that the eye wash nozzles in a portable eyewash fountain should deliver no less than an aggregate of one andone-half liters per minute (approximately 0.4 gallons per minute) of eyewash fluid during a fifteen minute period.

A number of eye wash devices and liquid carrying bags have been patentedover the years as shown in the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,012,798;4,363,146; 4,526,793; 4,881,283; 4,939,800; 5,566,406; 5,695,124;5,774,908; and 5,850,641. These devices, however, tend to be overlycomplicated, relatively expensive and not very reliable. Some of thesedevices also tend to be bulky.

It is also important that such emergency eye wash systems be readilyaccessible and easily and quickly operated. An emergency eye wash systemmust also operate effectively once activated even though the system satdormant for a long time period.

What is described here is an emergency eye wash system including ahousing having a movable tray, a source of eye wash fluid mounted in thehousing, two eye spraying nozzles mounted on the tray, and a conduitconnecting the nozzle and the fluid source, the conduit being slideablefrom a closed position to an open position whereby in the open position,eye washing fluid is able to flow from the fluid source to the nozzle.

There are a number of advantages, features and objects achieved with thepresent invention which are believed not to be available in earlierrelated devices. For example, the system disclosed here is simplyconstructed, reliable and relatively inexpensive. The system disclosedhere also meets government regulations relating to flow rate, durationand shelf life. A further advantage of the disclosed system is that itis compact and easily mounted to a variety of structures so as to bereadily accessible.

A complete understanding of the present invention and other objects,advantages and features thereof will be gained from a consideration ofthe present specification which provides a written description of theinvention, and of the manner and process of making and using theinvention, set forth in such full, clear, concise and exact terms as toenable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with whichit is most nearly connected, to make and use the same in compliance withTitle 35 U.S.C. Section 112 (first paragraph). Furthermore, thefollowing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention read inconjunction with the accompanying drawing provided herein represents anexample of the invention which is described here in compliance withTitle 35 U.S.C. section 112 (first paragraph), although the inventionitself is defined in the Claims section attached hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is an isometric front view of an emergency eye wash system, in aclosed position.

FIG. 2 is an isometric rear view of the emergency eye wash system.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the emergency eye wash system.

FIG. 4 is a downward looking, exploded isometric view of the emergencyeye wash system shown in FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 is a rearward looking isometric view of a housing front part ofthe eye wash system housing.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the emergency eye wash system shownin an open position.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the emergency eye wash system shown in FIG.6.

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the emergency eye wash system shownin FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 9 is a rear looking, exploded isometric view of a tray assembly,nozzles and hoses as well as a diagrammatic representation of two bagassemblies.

FIG. 10 is a front looking, exploded isometric view of the trayassembly, nozzles and hoses.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged partial rear isometric view of the tray assemblyand a front part of the housing.

FIG. 12 is a view of the inner side of an inner tray part of the trayassembly.

FIG. 13 is a view of the outer side of an outer tray part of the trayassembly.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged isometric view of a nozzle.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged upstream looking isometric view of a connectorsleeve.

FIG. 16 is a downstream looking isometric view of the connector sleeve.

FIG. 17 is an upstream looking isometric view of a hose connector.

FIG. 18 is a downstream looking isometric view of the hose connector.

FIG. 19 is an upstream looking isometric view of a piercing element.

FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of the piercing element.

FIG. 21 is a bottom plan view of the piercing element.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged sectional elevation view taken within the circle22-22 of FIG. 3 showing the handle in a non-actuated position.

FIG. 23 is a sectional elevation view similar to that shown in FIG. 22where the handle has been pivoted.

FIG. 24 is a forward looking isometric view of a pivotal fork.

FIG. 25 is a rearward looking isometric view of the pivotal fork.

FIG. 26 is an isometric view of a pivotal latch.

FIG. 27 is an isometric view of a latch clip.

FIG. 28 is an isometric view of the tray assembly, the nozzle, theconnector sleeve, the hose connector, the pivotal fork and the pivotallatch.

FIG. 29 is an isometric view of the tray assembly, the pivotal latch,the latch clip and the housing front part.

FIG. 30 is an isometric diagrammatic sectional view of the trayassembly, handle, pivotal latch and pivotal fork in a non-activatedposition.

FIG. 31 is an isometric view similar to that shown in FIG. 30 but withthe handle, pivotal fork and pivotal latch partially rotated.

FIG. 32 is an isometric view similar to that shown in FIGS. 30 and 31and with the handle, the pivotal latch and the pivotal fork fullyrotated.

FIG. 33 is a diagrammatic section view showing the pivotal latch and thelatch clip in engagement.

FIG. 34 is a sectional view similar to that shown in FIG. 33 but withonly the pivotal latch partially rotated.

FIG. 35 is a sectional view similar to that shown in FIGS. 33 and 34 andwith the pivotal latch fully rotated.

FIG. 36 is an upward looking isometric view of the tray assembly, thehandle, the pivotal forks, the pivotal latches and a pair of torsionsprings.

FIG. 37 is a front isometric view of a nozzle base.

FIG. 38 is a rear isometric view of the nozzle base.

FIG. 39 is a diagrammatic elevation view of the nozzle and hose beinginstalled on the tray assembly.

FIG. 40 is a front isometric view of a retainer clip.

FIG. 41 is a rear isometric view of the retainer clip.

FIG. 42 is a diagrammatic sectional view of the emergency eye washsystem illustrating the tray assembly in a lowered, activated position,and bag assemblies in solid line when fall and in broken line whenemptied.

FIG. 43 is a diagrammatic, partially broken-away, isometric view of akit containing two bag assemblies, two hoses and two nozzles in ashipping container.

FIG. 44 is a partial isometric view illustrating the handle and asecurity seal.

FIG. 45 is a view taken within circle 45-45 of FIG. 44.

FIG. 46 is a view similar to that of FIG. 45 but with a broken seal.

FIG. 47 is a view similar to that of FIGS. 45 and 46 but with a pivotedhandle and a fallen-away seal.

FIG. 48 is a side elevation view of a portion of the eye wash systemwith the tray in a closed position.

FIG. 49 is a view taken along line 49-49 of FIG. 48.

FIG. 50 is a side elevation view of a portion of the eye wash systemwith the tray in a partially open position.

FIG. 51 is a view taken along line 51-51 of FIG. 50.

FIG. 52 is a downward looking isometric view of the eye wash system asshown in FIG. 50.

FIG. 53 is a view taken within the circle 53-53 of FIG. 52.

FIG. 54 is a view similar to that of FIG. 53 but with the tray fullyopen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

While the present invention is open to various modifications andalternative constructions, the preferred embodiment illustrating thebest mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out their inventionare shown in the various figures of the drawing and will be describedherein in detail pursuant to Title 35 U.S.C. Section 112 (firstparagraph). It is understood, however, that there is no intention tolimit the invention to the particular embodiment, form or example whichis disclosed here. On the contrary, the intention is to cover allmodifications, equivalent structures and methods, and alternativeconstructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention asexpressed in the appended Claims section, pursuant to Title 35 U.S.C.section 112 (second paragraph).

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, there is illustrated an emergency eye washsystem 10 which includes a housing 12. The housing in turn includes afront part 14, a rear part 15, a lid, 16, a pivotal tray assembly 18 anda support structure in the form of a ribbed panel 20. The tray assemblyincludes a pivotal handle 22. The system also includes a pair of hangerbrackets 24, 26 directly attached to the support panel 20 and a sourceof eye wash fluid in the form of two bag assemblies 28, 30 supported onthe hanger brackets and positioned in the housing 12. Extending from thebottom of each bag assembly is a conduit in the form of a hose or tube32, 34. The hoses 32, 34 are positioned along the tray assembly 18 andare connected to two eye spray nozzles 36, 38.

The lid 16 features two acrylic inspection windows 40, 42. The lid 16 isremovable to allow access to the bag assemblies 28, 30 and to thesupport panel 20 and the hanger brackets 24, 26. The support panel 20includes four offset tabs 44, 46, 48, 50 as shown in FIG. 4. The rearhousing part 15 includes four openings of 52, 54, 56, 58 to receive thetabs 44, 46, 48, 50 and thereby allow easy engagement between the rearhousing part 15 and the support panel 20. The rear housing part alsoincludes four screw receiving openings 60, 62, 64, 66 to receive screws68, 70, 72, 74 for fastening the rear housing part to the support panelusing screw receiving openings 76, 78, 80, 82 in the support panel 20.

The support panel also includes four openings 84, 86, 88, 90 which arecapable of receiving attachment bands (not shown) and slot openings 92,94, 96, 98 (which are configured to receive bolts or screws (not shown)to allow the support panel to attach to a variety of buildingstructures. By attaching the support panel 20 to a building structure,the weight of the bag assemblies 28, 30, the hanger brackets 24, 26 andthe support panel 20 are directly transmitted to the building structurerather than to the housing 12. This also allows the bag assemblies tohang freely. The housing itself, including the front part 14, the rearpart 15 and the tray assembly 18 are all mounted to the support panel20. Thus, all loads are carried by the support panel 20 and transmittedto a building support.

The tray assembly 18 is pivotally connected to the housing front part 14through openings 86, FIG. 4, and 87, FIG. 5. The tray assembly 18 islocated in an indented central portion 90 of the housing front part 14.The indented portion also includes two access openings 92, 94 throughwhich the nozzles and attached hoses pass after the two bag assemblies28, 30 are hung onto the hanger brackets 24, 26. For purposes oforientation, the bags of the assemblies 28, 30 are considered “upstream”and the nozzles 36, 38 are considered “downstream” in relation to liquidflow from the bags to the nozzles. The housing front part 14 and rearpart 15 are constructed to be engaged by any convenient technique, suchas by bonding.

In FIGS. 1 and 3, the tray assembly 18 is shown in a vertically orientedclosed position and in FIGS. 6-8, in a horizontally oriented openposition. When the emergency eye wash system is not in use, the trayassembly is in the closed position, however, in an emergency the trayassembly is in an operative, open position where it is generallyhorizontally disposed so that someone in need of an emergency eye washcan lower his/her head and locate his/her eyes within the spray patternof an eye wash solution emanating from the two nozzles 36, 38.

The tray assembly is shown in an open position as it would appear duringemergency operation in FIGS. 6-8. Shown is the already mentioned hoses32, 34 connecting the solution containing bag assemblies 28, 30 and thenozzles 36, 38. In addition there is illustrated a pair of hoseconnector assemblies 100, 102.

The housing and handle may be made of any suitable material, such asacrylonitrilebutadiene-sytrene (ABS). The support panel and hangerbrackets may be made of glass filled polycarbonate (PC). The tray partsmay be made of ABS also. The hose may be made of medical grade PVC and,in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, have an insidediameter of about 0.250 inches and a length of about eighteen inches. Itis noted that other suitable materials may be used.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-13, the tray assembly 18 is illustrated in moredetail. The tray assembly includes an inner tray part 110, an outer traypart 112, the handle 22, stainless steel pivot pins 114, 115, two pairsof stainless steel torsion springs 116, 118, a pair of powder-coatedsteel pivotal forks 120, 122, a pair of powder-coated steel pivotallatches or lock arms 124, 126 and five fasteners 130, 132, 134, 136, 138for connecting the inner and outer tray parts 110, 112. Additionally,the two tray parts 110, 112 are bonded together using a solvent thatcauses the plastic to melt together. This bonding creates a water-tightseal. Operative ends of the pivotal fork 120 and latch 124 are shownenlarged in FIG. 11. Illustrated in FIG. 9, in diagrammatic form, arethe two bag assemblies 28, 30 and the two hoses 32, 34, as well as thetwo nozzles 36, 38 and the two hose connector assemblies 100, 102.

The inner tray 110 includes a pair of nozzle pads 150, 152 each withconnector slots 154, 156, 158 and 160, 162, 164, clip removal prongs170, 172, four through slots 174, 176 and 178, 180, where the inner twoslots 176, 178 receive the pivotal forks 120, 122, and the outer twoslots 174, 180 receive the pivotal latches 124, 126. Five screwreceiving openings 182, 184, 186, 188, 190 are also formed in the innertray part. The inner tray part 110 also includes a drain opening 192 andintegral pivot pins 194, 196. The nozzle pads 150, 152 and prongs 170,172 are shown more clearly in FIG. 11.

The outer tray part 112 also includes five screw receiving openings 200,202, 204, 206, 208, a pair of outer slots 210, 212 for the pivotallatches 124, 126 and two inner slots 214, 216 for the two pivotal forks120, 122. A central drain channel 220 is also provided. The channel 220is aligned with the drain opening 192 of the inner tray part 110 anddirects sprayed solution to an outer drain 222 shown in FIGS. 1 and 10.

Operation of the emergency eye wash system is simple, easily performedand very reliable. A user merely grips the handle 22 and pulls. Thissimple operation, a rotational motion, not only opens the tray assemblybut moves it from a vertical closed position to a horizontal openposition while at the same time opening the hose assembly to allow theflow of eye wash solution from the bag assemblies 28, 30 downstreamthrough the hoses 32, 34 to the nozzles 36, 38.

The various elements in the flow path of the eye wash solution areillustrated in FIGS. 14-21. Referring first to FIG. 14, the nozzle 36includes a cup portion 230 having perforations, such as eight conicallyshaped holes 232, a peripheral edge 234, and a stem 236. In a preferredembodiment, the illustrated eight hole nozzle 36 provides about 0.0127square inches of open area through the holes.

Positioned around the stem is a connector sleeve 240, FIGS. 15 and 16.The connector sleeve has a downstream end portion 242 which that fitsaround the stem 236 of the nozzle. Toward the upstream portion 243 ofthe connector sleeve are two longitudinally extending slots 244, 245,with slot ends 246, 247 and an upstream peripheral edge 248. Formedadjacent the slot ends are triangular flanges 249, 250. Fitted withinthe connector sleeve is a T-shaped hose connector 251, FIGS. 17 and 18.The hose connector includes a downstream portion 252 and two outwardlyextending arms 254, 256. The downstream portion 252 of the hoseconnector is received in the upstream portion 243 of the connectorsleeve until the hose connector abuts a shoulder 260, FIG. 16, in theconnector sleeve 240. The arms 254 and 256 are received respectively inthe two slots 244 and 245. A snap engagement between the connectorsleeve and the hose connector is made when a projection 262 on the innerwall of the connector sleeve 240 “snaps” into a groove 264 of the hoseconnector 251. The hose connector also includes a smaller diameterupstream portion 266. Mounted in the downstream portion of the hoseconnector is a breakable membrane 270. The membrane is frangible, beingmade of an aluminum foil or foil/polymer laminate material and having athickness of about 0.003 inches.

Mounted at an upstream end portion 272 of the nozzle stem 236, FIG. 14,is a cylindrical piercing element 274, FIGS. 19-21. The piercing elementhas a downstream end portion 276 which is received in the upstream endportion 272 of the nozzle stem 236. These form an interference fit whenan interior projection 280 in the nozzle stem 236 abuts a collar 281 ofthe downstream end portion 276 of the piercing element 274. The piercingelement also includes a key 283 which is received in a slot 284 in thestem 236 of the nozzle. The piercing element has an upstream slanted endportion 285 resulting in the furthest upstream end 286 of the piercingelement being relatively sharp.

The operative alignment (moving in an upstream direction) of the nozzlestem 236, the piercing element 274, the connector sleeve 240, the hoseconnector 251 and the hose 32 are illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23, wherethe upstream portion 266 of the hose connector is received by adownstream end portion 267 of the hose 32. When the tray assembly is inits vertical closed position, these aligned elements are shown in FIG.22 where the membrane 270 blocks the flow of eye wash solution so thatno solution reaches the nozzle cup portion 230. However, when the handle22 of the tray assembly is pivoted through an arc of about 14 degreesand then 2 degrees beyond for a total of about 16 degrees, the handleand the aligned elements assume the positions shown in FIG. 23, wherethe connector sleeve 240, the hose connector 251 and the hose 32 havebeen shifted downstream pushing the membrane 270 against the piercingelement 274 causing the membrane to be pierced and peeled back so as tobe moved out of the flow path of the eye wash solution.

Movement of the connector sleeve, the hose connector and the hosedownstream against the stationary nozzle and piercing element is causedby the forks 120, 122. The arms 254, 256 of the hose connector 251 arepushed against the ends 246, 247 of the slots 244, 245 so that theconnector sleeve 240 slides downstream along the nozzle stem 236 towardthe nozzle cup 230. The nozzle cup and the nozzle stem are stationary asis the piercing element 274. The downstream movement of the hoseconnector with the frangible membrane causes the membrane to be piercedby the sharp edge 286 of the piercing element 274 and for the membraneto be progressively sliced by the slanted surface 285 of the piercingelement. As the membrane moves downstream, the severed portion of themembrane is being progressively laid back and progressively pushedtoward an inner wall 287, FIG. 22, of the hose connector such that anouter cylindrical surface 288, FIG. 19, of the piercing element squeezesthe cut membrane between itself and the inner wall of the hoseconnector. In this way, passageways between the eyewash solution in thebag assemblies 28, 30 and the nozzles 36, 38 are opened and cleared. Themembrane is partially severed and moved out of the way so as not tointerfere with the flow of eye wash solution and yet the membrane isalso constrained so as not to be swept downstream and block the nozzleopenings 232.

The handle 22 pivots about the pivot pins 114, 115, FIGS. 9 and 10,which are placed through flanges 289, 290, 291, 292, FIG. 9, on thehandle and flanges 293, 294, 295, 296, FIG. 10, on the outer tray part112. The pivoting movement of the handle is translated to the arms 254,256 of the hose connector 251 by way of the pivotal forks 120, 122,FIGS. 9 and 10. The pivotal forks are also mounted to pivot on the pins114, 115 and each fork has a handle engaging portion 297, FIGS. 24 and25, a pivot opening 298, and a pair of fingers 299, 300. The fingersengage the arms 254, 256 of the hose connector 251, FIG. 17, whererotating motion of the pivotal fork translates to linear motion of thehose connector because the sliding engagement of the forks on the armsdevelops a component of force in a downstream direction.

Also pivotally mounted to the pins 114, 115 are the pivotal latches 124,126. (A duplicate pivotal fork 122 and a mirror image pivotal latch 126to those shown in FIGS. 24-26 are mounted to the pin 115.) Each pivotallatch includes a body portion 301, FIG. 26, a pivot hole 302 forreceiving the pin, a latch head 304 having a slot 306 and a lateral tab308. The two pivotal latches ensure that the tray assembly is maintainedin the vertical close position by virtue of the heads, such as the head304, extending through front openings 310, 312, FIGS. 4 and 8, in theindented portion 90 of the housing front part 14. To ensure a strong,robust engagement between the pivotal latch and the housing, apowder-coated steel latch clip 320, FIG. 27, is provided. The clip hasopposed spring arms 322, 324 and a base 326. The spring arms fit overthe wall of the housing front part leaving the base 326 in an uprightposition. The slot 306 of the pivotal latch fits over the base andadjacent portions of the spring arms so as to create a secureinterference fit.

The forks 120, 122 and the connector sleeves 240 are shown in operativepositions in FIG. 28. The latch 124 is shown engaged through the opening310 with the clip 320 in FIG. 29.

When the handle 22 pivots as shown progressively in FIGS. 30-32, thelatch head slot 306 is moved out of engagement with the clip 320 andthus, the housing, so as to allow the tray assembly to move from itsvertical closed position to its horizontal open position.Simultaneously, the pivotal forks are also rotated causing the membranesto be punctured and thereby start the flow of eye wash solution throughthe nozzles when the nozzles reach a predetermined elevation relative tothe elevation of the bag assemblies. It should be noted that the pivotallatches are constructed to rotate either with the handle and therebywith the pivotal forks, or the pivotal latches may be rotatedindependently when the wing tabs 308 are depressed. This movement isshown progressively in FIGS. 33-35. Using the wing tabs allows the trayassembly to be opened for inspection of the bag assemblies, if desired,without pivoting the handle and piercing the membranes. Thus, the eyewash solution remains in a sealed undisturbed condition. Once theinspection is completed, the tray assembly may be closed. The torsionsprings 116, 118 ensure that the pivotal latches are biased back intoengagement with the clips mounted to the housing. The assembledarrangement of the handle 22, the pivotal forks 120, 122, the pivotallatches 124, 126 and the torsion springs 116, 118 are shown in moredetail in FIG. 36.

Referring now to FIGS. 37 and 38, there is illustrated a nozzle base 350having a circular ridge 352 for engaging the lower edge 234 of the cupportion 230 of one of the nozzles 36, 38. The nozzle base includes at aforward end an engagement tab 354 and at a rearward end a pair of snaparms 356, 358. After the nozzles are engaged with the nozzle bases, thenozzle bases may be inserted on the nozzle pads 150, 152, FIG. 12, andby having the engagement tabs 354 received by the elongated slots 154,160 of the inner tray part 110 and then pushing the snap arms 356, 358into the smaller slots 156, 158 and 162, 164. This maybe visualized byreference to FIG. 39.

A retainer clip 370 is illustrated in FIGS. 40, and 41. The retainerclip is structured to fit around the nozzle stem 236. FIG. 14, andthereby blocks any sliding advancement downstream by the connectorsleeve 240 towards the nozzle cup 230. The retainer clip has an opencylindrical shape with two oppositely extending abutment wings 372, 374.The retainer clip includes a collar 376 at one end and a dorsal tab 378.Interior of the retainer clip is an arcuate projection 380 which isdesigned to engage a corresponding groove 382, FIG. 14, in the stem 236of the nozzle.

The abutment wings 372, 374 are designed to engage the prongs 170, 172,FIGS. 11 and 29, so as to automatically disengage the retainer clip 370from the nozzle stem when the nozzle and hose are engaged with the tray18.

The retainer clips are used only during transit of the bag assemblies28, 30 to ensure that there is no inadvertent puncture of the membranes.However, when the bag assemblies and attached hoses and nozzles areinstalled in the housing and to the tray, the retainer clips are removedso that the system becomes fully operational and ready for use.

The two bag assemblies 28 and 30 are illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 42, andwill be described in detail here. Each bag assembly includes one storagebag 384, 386 having a structural top of rigid plastic 390, 392 and lowerresilient sheets 394, 396. Each of the tops 390, 392 include a pair ofouter diagonally oriented slots 400, 402 and 404, 406 and an inner pairof generally horizontally oriented slots 410, 412 and 414, 416. Theouter slots allow personnel performing an installation to grip each bagto facilitate lifting the bag from a protective package to the hangerbrackets 24, 26. The bags are hung on the brackets by using the innerslots. The housing provides clearance between itself and the bags whenthe bags are full and there is a clearance between the full bags aswell. Each bag also includes a spout 418, 420 to which the hoses 32, 34are attached. It is noted that there is no mechanical or other externaldevice used to apply pressure to the bags.

The resilient sheets, preferably, are constructed from a polyolefin filmsuch as medical grade COVELLE 1200 Clear brand polyolefin film which iscommercially available from The Dow Chemical Company, having athickness, preferably, in a range of about 10 to about 20 mils, mostpreferably about 14 mils. Another example of a poyolefin film materialsuitable for forming the resilient sheets herein is medical gradeCRYOVAC M312 brand film, having a thickness of about 7.5 mils, which iscommercially available from Cryovac Inc. Other suitable resilient,polymeric film materials suitable for use herein include medical gradepolyvinyl chloride (PVC) films, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) films andother similar polymeric materials.

The polymeric films to be used herein are resilient, having memory, andprovide a continuing pressure on the eye wash solution inside the bag.In this regard, the COVELLE 1200 Clear brand film is known to exhibit atensile modulus, 2% secant, of 5800 psi when tested in accordance withthe ASTMD 882 test procedure. The CRYOVAC M312 brand film has a modulusof elasticity value of about 12,800 psi.

When empty, the combined height of a bag 384, 386 including a bag 390,392 is in a range of about fifteen to about twenty inches, preferablyabout nineteen inches high. The width of the bags is in a range of abouteighteen to about twenty-five inches, preferably about twenty-oneinches.

The bags are hung in the housing on brackets in a manner such that thespouts on the bags are at a level in a range of about eight to aboutfifteen inches above the nozzles and, preferably, about twelve and halfinches, when the bags are full, and about ten and a half inches, whenthe bags are empty. This positioning is intended to ensure a generallyconstant flow of solution from an individual bag at a rate of no lessthan about three quarters of a liter per minute during a fifteen minuteperiod when a double bag arrangement is employed in an eyewash system.The preferred volume of solution in each bag is about fourteen liters,although the range of volume may vary from a minimum of about eleven anda quarter liters up to about seventeen liters.

It is desirable that the bags will be substantially evacuated afteractivation of the system. The design of the bags disclosed herein meetthis criterion and, also, such design eliminates any need for externalpressure to be applied to the bags in order for the solution to bedispersed at the desired flow rate contrary to prior art eye washdevices. The bags of the present invention are illustrateddiagrammatically in FIG. 42 in solid line to represent a full conditionand in broken line when the bags are in an empty condition.

It is noted that the housing 12 is independent of the bags, hoses andnozzles, in that the bags, hoses and nozzles are replaceable and thusmay be sold as a kit. Optimally the two bags contain approximatelytwenty-eight liters of sterile, sealed eye wash solution and the bags,hoses and nozzles are part of a sealed sub-system for maintaining thesolution in a sterile condition. After the emergency eye wash system isused, the empty bags and attached hoses and nozzles are removed and sentfor disposal. A new kit 430 of two bag assemblies 432, 434 with sterilesolution, hoses 436, 438 and nozzles 440, 442 packaged in a disposable,corrugated box 444 for shipment is acquired, and the new kit isinstalled in the housing simply by lifting the bag assemblies so as tothe engage the hanger brackets, threading the nozzle and hoses throughthe openings 92, 94 in the front housing part 14, FIG. 5, and thensnapping the nozzles onto the nozzle pads 150, 152 of the tray assembly18. The engagement of the nozzles with the nozzle pads causes theretainer clips 370 to be pried off of the hoses thereby placing theemergency eye wash system into operative mode. Thereafter, the trayassembly may be moved from the horizontal open position to the verticalclosed position without touching the handle 22 so that the system isready for use.

A preferred eye wash fluid is a solution of buffered isotonic salinesolution, having a shelf life of at least two years. However, it is tobe noted that a non-sterile solution may be used herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 44-47, the eye wash system includes a traysecurity seal in the form of a date-coded tag 450. The tag includes afrangible wire 452 and a seal tab 454. The wire fits through a hole in aflange 456 integral with the tray and an alignable hole in a tab 458integral with the handle 22. Rotating the handle shears the wire.

The function of the tag 450 is to indicate that the system is operablewhen the seal is secured and unbroken and to indicate that the systemmay not function or has been tampered with when the seal is broken ormissing. The tag also indicates an expiration date for the eyewashsolution and provides facilitated inspection.

Inspection of the system can also be performed by viewing the solutioncontaining bags through the inspection windows. Still other inspectionmethods include the removal of the lid without any movement of the tray,or lowering the tray without moving the handle.

Another security feature of the system may be understood by reference toFIGS. 48-54. The front housing part 14 includes a lateral side wall 460with an opening 462 and a bottom wall 464, and it also includes anopening 466. Adjacent the opening and integral with the bottom wall isan upstanding flange 468. Attached to the side wall 460 is an L-shapedspring metal latch 470 having a vertically extending arm portion 472staked to the side wall 460 and an abutment portion 474 which extendsthrough the side wall opening 462. The spring latch 470 also includes ahorizontally extending arm portion 476 having a flange abutment surface478, a flange engagement groove 480 and an unlocking tab 481. As shownbest in FIG. 49, when the tray is in its vertical closed position, aside flange 482 integral with the tray is positioned adjacent the sidewall opening 462 and bears against the abutment portion 474 of thespring latch. When in this position the horizontal arm portion 476 isbiased to the right in the disposition shown in FIG. 49, so that theupstanding flange 468 biases the side extending arm portion 476 upwardlyby bearing against the flange abutment surface 478. However, as soon asthe tray is pivoted toward its horizontal open position, the tray sideflange 482 moves away from the abutment portion 474 of the spring latch470 and the abutment portion springs leftward into the side wall opening462. This allows the horizontally extending arm portion 476 to slideleftwardly causing the groove 480 of the arm portion to spring intoengagement with the upstanding flange 468. When this occurs, there is aninterference fit between the groove 480 and the flange 468. This resultsin the placement of the abutment portion 474 of the spring latch into ablocking position relative to the tray flange 482 so that the traycannot return to its closed vertical position without an action bysomeone to reset the spring latch. Without the reset, a top edge 484 ofthe flange 482 will come into contact with the abutment portion 474 ofthe spring latch and prevent any further upward movement.

The spring latch may be reset by an operator inserting her finger or atool through the bottom wall opening 466 to push the tab 481 upwardly.This causes a rightward movement of the horizontal arm portion 476 andthe abutment portion 474. At the same time, if the tray is lifted towardthe vertical, closed position, the tray flange 482 will again move intoa position to bias the arm portion 476 and the abutment portion 474 tothe configuration shown in FIG. 49. The operation of the spring latchfeature should ensure that the tray is not closed inadvertently afteruse.

It is now appreciated that the emergency eye wash system disclosed hereis compact, relatively simple in construction and relativelyinexpensive. Also of importance is that the system is reliable.

The above description sets forth in detail the preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. Other examples, embodiments, modifications andvariations will, under both the literal claim language and the doctrineof equivalents, come within the scope of the invention defined by theappended claims. For example, mere modification of various physicalfeatures of the herein disclosed system including such features as bagsize, bag volume, the number of bags, the bag hang height above theelevation of the pair of nozzles, the bag material, the hose diameter,the hose length and/or the shape, size or number of holes of the nozzleare all considered to fall within the literal language of the followingclaims. Furthermore, changing the shape of the housing, or the bracketsor the tray will still be considered to be equivalent structures. Inaddition, they will come within the literal language of the claims.Still other alternatives will also be equivalent as will many newtechnologies. There is no desire or intention here to limit in any waythe application of the doctrine of equivalents nor to limit or restrictthe scope of the invention.

1. An eye wash station comprising: a source of eye wash fluid; a spraynozzle; and a movable conduit defining a flow path between the source ofeye wash fluid and the spray nozzle; the flow path being closed to fluidflow when the conduit is in a first position and being opened to enablethe eye wash fluid to flow to the spray nozzle by movement of theconduit from the first position to a second position.
 2. The eye washstation as claimed in claim 1 wherein: the source of eye wash fluid, thespray nozzle and the conduit are disposed in a housing.
 3. The eye washstation as claimed in claim 1 including: a membrane for closing the flowpath; and a membrane piercing element disposed for engagement with themembrane upon movement of the conduit.
 4. The eye wash station asclaimed in claim 3 wherein: the membrane piercing element is structuredand dimensioned to puncture the membrane and to move the membrane out ofa fluid interfering position and to maintain the membrane in anon-interfering position enabling the eye wash fluid to flow to thespray nozzle.
 5. The eye wash station as claimed in claim 3 wherein: themembrane is connected to the conduit and the membrane piercing elementis connected to the nozzle.
 6. The eye wash station as claimed in claim5 wherein: the nozzle and the piercing element are stationary duringmovement of the conduit.
 7. The eye wash station as claimed in claim 4wherein: the membrane piercing element is cylindrically shaped with asharp edge.
 8. The eye wash station as claimed in claim 1 including: aretainer clip removably mounted to the conduit for maintaining theconduit in the first position.
 9. The eye wash station of claim 1including: a housing having a movable tray; the source of eye wash fluidbeing mounted in the housing; and the spray nozzle being mounted on thetray.
 10. The eye wash station as claimed in claim 9 including: asupport structure to which the housing is mounted, the support structurealso supporting the source of eye washing fluid.
 11. The eye washstation as claimed in claim 9 including: a handle mounted to the trayfor moving the conduit from the first position to the second position.12. The eye wash station as claimed in claim 11 wherein: the tray ispivotal and supports the nozzle, the handle and the movable conduit; andthe tray is movable between a generally vertical closed position and agenerally horizontal open position.
 13. An eye wash station comprising:at least one bag providing a source of eye wash fluid; a spray nozzle;and a conduit defining a flow path between the source of eye wash fluidand the spray nozzle; the flow path being closed to fluid flow when theconduit is in a first position and being opened to enable the eye washfluid to flow to the spray nozzle by movement of the conduit from thefirst position to a second position.
 14. The eye wash station as claimedin claim 13 wherein: the bag, the spray nozzle and the conduit aredisposed in a housing.
 15. The eye wash station as claimed in claim 13including: a membrane for closing the flow path; and a membrane piercingelement disposed for engagement with the membrane upon movement of theconduit.
 16. The eye wash station as claimed in claim 15 wherein: themembrane piercing element is structured and dimensioned to puncture themembrane and to move the membrane out of a fluid interfering positionand to maintain the membrane in a non-interfering position enabling theeye wash fluid to flow to the spray nozzle.
 17. The eye wash station asclaimed in claim 15 wherein: the membrane is connected to the conduitand the membrane piercing element is connected to the nozzle.
 18. Theeye wash station as claimed in claim 17 wherein: the nozzle and themembrane piercing element are stationary during movement of the conduit.19. The eye wash station as claimed in claim 16 wherein: the membranepiercing element is cylindrically shaped with a sharp edge.
 20. The eyewash station as claimed in claim 13 including: a retainer clip removablymounted to the conduit for maintaining the conduit in the firstposition.
 21. The eye wash station of claim 13 including: a housinghaving a movable tray; the source of eye wash fluid being mounted in thehousing; and the spray nozzle being mounted on the tray.
 22. The eyewash station as claimed in claim 21 including: a support structure towhich the housing is mounted, the support structure also supporting thebag.
 23. The eye wash station as claimed in claim 21 including: a handlemounted to the housing for moving the conduit from the first position tothe second position.
 24. The eye wash station as claimed in claim 23wherein: the tray is pivotal and supports the nozzle, the handle and themovable conduit, and the tray is movable between a generally verticalclosed position and a generally horizontal open position.
 25. The eyewash station as claimed in claim 24 including: a blocking elementmounted to said housing for interfering with movement of said tray fromsaid open position to said closed position.